Decades ago, Mandy and Ian Tyrer began organising the Sunflower Sky Hike in support of cancer warriors. The hike has marched on for 17 years as a incredible source of strength and solidarity. But last year, Mandy and Ian’s son Jarryd found himself facing cancer first-hand; diagnosed with a tumour on the same day he reached his dream of performing on West End:
South Africa (07 February 2024) — In 2007, Mandy and Ian Tyrer put their good hearts to task with a goal to help raise funds for a little cancer warrior named Jade. The Sunflower Sky Hike soon became a gathering of support for cancer warriors as well as those afflicted by the Big C, where steps of solidarity reminded everyone taking part that there was hope. And even when the light seemed dim, and hope slim, and little Jade passed away from cancer at only 8 years old, the Sunflower Sky Hike marched on year after year.
Because support never goes to waste. And there’s always someone who needs it. And remembering the cancer warriors who came before matters; as does celebrating those who kicked cancer’s ass.
Decades later, Mandy and Ian—who continued to lead the hike’s charge annually—found themselves facing cancer in a way that was very close to home. In 2023, their son Jarryd Nurden was diagnosed with a carcinoid lung tumour. It was the very same day that he was about to embark on his dream— performing on the West End.
A malignant diagnosis. Open surgery. An infection. Weeks in hospital. And then a bigger surgery. A lot of pain. Hope. That’s the very short version of what Jarryd went through, and it says a lot.
Says Mandy:
“My proudest moments have been in that hospital room, bigger than any stage debut. Listening and seeing how pragmatically Jarryd has processed this experience! Dreaming and imagining what else is possible! But for now, no income for the last six months and many months of rehabilitation to come, to get him back to peak fitness.”
This year’s Sunflower Sky Hike then, will extend to special honour Jarryd. And hopefully, raise all the funds he needs to get back to health and his career. Additionally, funds will go to Rainbows & Smiles who are champions of support for children fighting cancer, and the Actors Benevolent Fund.
Adds Janine Magree who put the story on Good Things Guy’s radar,
“This wonderful family are such good, community-minded people and it is a huge blow that they are now affected by cancer, especially when they have been helping others through this affliction for the past 17 years.
The hike is a wonderful event with so much cameraderie and it fosters so much goodwill and awareness.”
Janine’s son Bryn passed away in 2017 and is remembered as a South African hero and an inspiration.
You Can Support the Sunflower Sky Hike in the Following Ways:
Join an event:
- Sani Pass on 16 June
- Hyde Park, London on 23 June
Support the gofundme campaign:
You can also join the Sunflower Sky Hike group and spread the word!
Sources: Website Submission
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